such annoying pedantry to point out that "akshually houses are cheap in southern missouri"

I mean, sure. but then there are 0 jobs and 0 community.

the housing shortage is a shortage of housing in the same places that there is industry and opportunity. the fact that there are ample plots of land upon which one could theoretically erect a tent is irrelevant

I'm an hour from the gentrified black hole of Boston.